#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Winning Isn’t Everything

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Today’s meditation was skipped in deference for sleep. Wonderful, blissful, ibuprofen assisted sleep.  Mind you, the ibuprofen wasn’t a sleep aid, but it definitely eased my back and hip pain enough to allow me to sleep.

Chakra Healing Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of clashes, conflict, disagreements, and the victory or defeat that is the outcome of such themes.

One of the meanings of this card is winning at all costs. The imagery in this card really speaks to me of this particular interpretation.  You have a man collecting the tools of war, willing to step not just off the bridge, but risk falling into the fog of the unknown surrounding him in order to get what he wants. Although this is not a battle? It absolutely demonstrates that “winning at all costs” vibe when it comes to reaching for what one wants.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what we see here is a reminder that sometimes winning isn’t the only thing worth fighting for, and if we focus on it too hard on winning at all costs, we can lose the softer, gentler, kinder parts of ourselves into the cold hard place that that mindset creates within us. Don’t lose yourself in pursuit of the win, whatever that win might be.

DECK USED:  CHAKRA HEALING TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What accomplishment from this month deserves celebration?

Amano Tarot: Finding HappinessReading Summary: Backing off a bit (Temperance) on the shadow work involving my past (Six of Coins) so that I can let the new realization (The Magician) I had early in the month about the separation between past and present sink in a bit more.

Take Away: New tools take time to learn to use effectively. Information can be a tool just like physical items can be.  The information I stumbled upon concerning seeing the past as separate from the present is a tool that can be used to help heal past wounds, but I need time to process first in order to use it effectively.

DECK USED: AMANO TAROT FINDING HAPPINESS

The #MysticStarChallenge at the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for August 26th and 27th

Painted Runes Deck and Chakra Healing TarotGiven the information I know now, which Major Arcana has more to share with me?

The Chariot

What message does the card have for me?

Knight of Wands atop Unknowable Future – Go boldly into the unknown. Allow your passion and enthusiasm to carry you forward through times of uncertainty. You have guides on your side that will help in lighting the way.

What challenges does this card wish to warn me about?

Jera atop Eight of Chalices – Don’t give up and turn away. The good fortune of completion is in sight. Stay and harvest what you have worked so hard for instead of turning away and giving up.

What guidance does this card have for me to overcome these challenges?

Kano atop King of Pentacles atop Queen of Swords – “Don’t be rash in decisions which might mean you are metaphorically throwing things into the fire.”

Hold back just a bit longer on stepping up into the oncoming rush and its preparations. You will need to wear the crown(s) of responsibility and dive deeply into the creative fire that carries you through the holiday rush soon enough.

DECKS USED: THE PAINTED RUNES AND CHAKRA HEALING TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had myself a nice long sleep this morning after I got home from the farm. It was nice.  I didn’t sleep all that wall last night so the nap was really needed.

The End of the World

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Today’s meditation was skipped, as it’s an orders day.

Women of High Fantasy Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Tower, which is traditionally a representation of (as mentioned day before yesterday) the calamity and chaos of sudden, unexpected upheaval and change. The Tower card reminds us that for new good things to be built, the old and rotted remnants of what once stood must first be torn down.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card, what we see here is a message of hope and encouragement.  It’s a reminder that as chaotic and confusing, painful and overwhelming as sudden change can sometimes be?  You will get through it.  You will come out the other side and, through the process of chaos, be in a place where you can begin to start again and rebuild.

It truly isn’t the end of the world, even if it might feel like it.

DECK USED:  WOMEN OF HIGH FANTASY TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 26th and 27th

Faery Blessing Cards and Many Queens TarotHow do I unlock my highest potential?
A Blessing of an Anam-Cara and Ace of Swords

Share your thoughts, ideas, and whispering inner dialogue with Gideon. Communication is key. He is your anam-cara. He is there to listen and help, to soothe and sort through the things you need assistance with. He is your closest, deepest friend and does not judge. He helps lift you up and keep you on track, providing the extra perspective you need to unlock that highest potential.

What message from you am I not seeing?
A Blessing of Honesty and Two of Pentacles

You are still trying to juggle too much. You need to look with a clear ha e and honest mind at just how much you’re taking on and how much is truly healthy for you to handle.

DECK USED: FAERY BLESSING CARDS AND MANY QUEENS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 26th and 28th

Women of High Fantasy TarotRemember – Ace of Wands – Your inner spark. Your enthusiasm. The joy found in the creation of beautiful things.

Forgive – Knight of Cups – Sometimes when we’re going after what we really want, we can become blind to the feelings of others, focused to sharply and too deeply on our own desires. It happens to you… and it happened others too.

Forget – Seven of Wands –  Don’t worry so much about defending the high ground. Those that have come up against you in order to try and take it from you have lost, and it’s time to let it go.

What do I need to hear right now? – Three of Swords Rx atop Page of Swords – Your depression is a journey of learning. As unpleasant as it might be, it has lessons to teach you just like every other experience in your life.

DECK USED: WOMEN OF HIGH FANTASY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

When my soul was aching a bit earlier today, I laid down and cuddled with Miss Luna for a bit.

Gifts of Goodness

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the eighth installment of the Foundations II series on the Balance app. The main focus of today’s meditation was about posture and the benefits good posture can provide during meditation.

Honestly? Good posture is important all the time, not just during meditation. You see those elderly that walk funny, have a hump between their shoulders, or are in a perpetual slouch position even when trying to stand straight? That is the results of poor posture. Your body gets stuck in those positions, and eventually you can’t get out of them.

I often see people not work on their posture because it’s uncomfortable, or boring, or “useless” and I wonder how the chronic pain will effect them as they reach their geriatric ages. I don’t understand why this issue isn’t more important to people. Why volunteer for that kind of pain when it can be so easily avoided by being conscious of your body mechanics in the present?

Journey Into Egypt Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of generosity, gifts, and “sharing the wealth”.  This meaning can be with or without reciprocation expected, but there is a reminder here to always take care when being offered something for free what the motivations and expectations that come with that gift my be.

The imagery in this card is a biblical depiction of the Pharaoh’s daughter (widely believed to be Hatshepsut) discovering baby Moses when she goes to wash her hands in the river (approximately 1512 B.C.) This princess wanted a child so badly that even though it went against her father’s decree that all Hebrew children were to be killed, she kept the child, named him, and raised him as her own, giving him a good education, and a good life.

Obviously, shit goes down later on that turns things on their ear as Moses grows up and becomes an adult.  BUT, here we see the beginning.  We see the hope and the joy, the moment when a gift has been discovered and even in times of uncertainty is recognized as such and cherished.

The cards here today are a reminder not to forget the gifts in your life. The things that lift you up and give you hope. Don’t reject them out of turn just because they are of no value to someone else. Embrace them because they are of value to you.

DECK USED:  JOURNEY INTO EGYPT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Which is more real… mind or matter?

ASL TarotReading Summary: It is through our creativity, our energy, and collaboration (Three of Chalices) that we put into things that we transform (Death) ideas into reality (Knight of Pentacles).

Take Away:  Ideas turn into work, which brings those ideas into reality. Inspiration creates enthusiasm which turns into creation. Therefore mind and matter are not separate, but rather a process of transition. Energy that feeds the sprout of reality… thus, the mind is the seed of reality.  The seed sprouts, then grows and flourishes.

DECK USED: THE ASL TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Questions for August 25th thru 27th

Sacred Earth Oracle and Journey Into Egypt TarotI am lucky because…
Patterns and Ace of Wands Rx

When shit repeats again and again, it can be discouraging. Keep in mind that these repeating cycles are a lesson that has not yet been learned. Thus, you have the opportunity to learn it the next time around. The universe has not given up on you, and will not give up on you.  It will keep bringing it around, giving you opportunity after opportunity to “get it” until you finally figure it out.

I can be proud of myself for…
Alliance and Five of Coins

You can be proud of yourself for making good and supportive friendships, instead of inviting a multitude of frivolous acquaintances into your life. The people in your life aren’t there as figure pieces, but rather they are a functioning part of what makes life work for you.

Considering who I was raised by and how she collects her “friends”?  This is indeed something to be proud of myself for.  I certainly didn’t learn to foster flourishing, healthy, depth focused friendships from her.

I can be thankful for…
Stretch atop Balance, Two of Coins

The ability to grow and adjust as you constantly moving forward. This adaptability allows you to shine bright in the face of adversity and stretch your limits to keep things in balance with each experience you go through.

DECK USED: SACRED EARTH ORACLE AND JOURNEY INTO EGYPT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made one of the other security council for my building go with me to deal with the drunkard that decided to break into our building and be a pain in the ass, instead of trying to deal with it on my own.

A Time To Heal

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuses or even any real reason, to be honest. I just didn’t do it.

Vintage Book Illustration Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of the calamity and chaos of sudden, unexpected upheaval and change. The Tower card reminds us that for new good things to be built, the old and rotted remnants of what once stood must first be torn down.

The thing is?  Sometimes when that upheaval happens, it hurts. Surprises can hurt, destruction can be painful, especially if you’re needing to let go of something that, although has served its purpose and is no longer needed, you are still clinging to tightly.

These wounds can make it a struggle to move on, and healing requires time.  Sometimes, healing moves smoothly, but not always.  Today’s cards are a reminder that sometimes this healing can take time… and that is perfectly okay.  There’s no set time limit, and no deadline. The best healing takes place at its own pace.

DECK USED:  VINTAGE BOOK ILLUSTRATION TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Question for August 22nd thru 24th

Essential Oils Healing Cards and Vintage Book Illustration TarotHow do I open myself to your guidance?
Geranium (Pelagonium graveolens) and Page of Cups

Accept that you’re not skilled with dealing or understanding your emotions yet, and you need help in order to both deal as well as heal. Guidance is needed when learning a new things, and that includes learning about your emotions and going through emotional growth.

Cautions you have for me.
Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) and Nine of Pentacles

Self-medicating with things that give small, temporary moments of pleasure at a time when you are flirting with the edge of depression is not a good idea. Find other ways to achieve those small moments of pleasure that don’t include entertaining your more addiction motivated tendencies.

What areas of my life need change?
Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) and Five of Wands

Consider working on sex without drowning. You don’t have to drown every time, and it would be good for you to have the bonding experience of that union without always going through the drop that comes after a drown.

DECK USED: THE ESSENTIAL OILS HEALING DECK AND VINTAGE BOOK ILLUSTRATION TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I vented (and had a good cry) about my run-in with the bigot in the supermarket parking lot instead of holding it in.

Slowing Down

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped due to orders day and a worry that I wasn’t going to get everything done in time to ship it out.

Tarot of the Nile and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Swords, which is a representation of cunning and strategic thought, often portrayed as being of the thieving and betrayal variety.  It also represents leaving behind what one cannot easily carry, and getting away with something.

You know how sometimes when you rush to get out the door, you grab the things you need and run, then realize later on in the day (or on your trip) that you forgot something essential?

Today’s card is asking… why are you rushing?  Why are we either waiting until things have gotten to the point that we’re rushing, or putting this “last minute” expectation on ourselves in the first place?  So many things that we pushy ourselves to rush at don’t need to be rushed.  Yes, there are occasions when it’s necessary, but there’s not as many necessary occasions for that rush as there are those that we force upon ourselves.

DECK USED:  TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Topics for August 23rd and 24th

Cosmic Journey Oracle and Tarot of the ImaginationThink of something that recently made you smile or happy, focus on that thought and draw a card.
There Are No Wrong Turns and The Fool

Hiring a new housekeeper takes a bit of trust and faith in humanity. You’re letting this person into your home for the purpose of touching all yours stuff and trusting them not to take or break anything as they explore your home. It can be harrowing and nerve wracking, but every journey must start with a first step, and that includes finding someone to clean for you.

Pick a line from a song and use it to draw a card.

You said we are learning but
The whole world is burning
– Remy Zero’s Bitter

Each Evolutionary Turn Requires You To Give Up Who You Think You Are and Six of Wands

Everyone is always so focused on their solitary goals and appearances. Is it any wonder that the world is now at a point of striking back against our selfish and self serving ways. The earth is a living thing, and it’s tryin to teach us a lesson. The question is… will we listen?

Pick a line from a book and use it to draw a card.
Every Cycle Is a New Opportunity and Two of Cups

“Everything he touches becomes more of whatever it is—more alive, more vigorous, more powerful, more awesome, or more awful.” – The Faeries’ Oracle by Brian Froud

Remember that your perspective is not the only one, and that the more they you branch out to take in others perspectives, the more your perspective of the world will grow and change. This is the same not just for you, but fir everyone.

Pick a line from a movie and use it to draw a card.
A Light Grows Brighter Only By Lighting Another and King of Wands

“…there’s no such thing as a lie. There’s only expedient exaggeration.” North By Northwest

This quote, and the cards that came after it’s selection, reminds me of Mr R.  He once told me that a lie is never a lie until you get caught, it’s a “story”.  This is not something I particularly agree with (or at all, actually), but it is what these cards and the movie quote bring to mind.

DECK USED: THE COSMIC JOURNEY ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE IMAGINATION

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 23rd and 24th

Animal Love Oracle Cards and Tarot of the NileI Blame Myself For…

Hippopotamus and Nine of Swords – The failings of my mental health. Although I know logically that this isn’t true, I often see my mental health struggles as one of my failings. I am aware that although this feels like taking ownership, it is not empowering.

I Blame Others For…

Unicorn, Ace of Swords atop Ten of Cups – Successful communication with others. I never take credit for my ability to communicate with others without it falling apart. I feel like I am constantly bumbling when it comes to communication, and that I have to be extremely careful not to fumble things. I always feel like the potential for being misunderstood is huge, and the consequences explosive, like walking through a minefield. When things go well?  It’s always someone else’s fault.  When things go badly, it’s always mine.

How can I begin to release blame from my heart?

Manatee, Two of Swords – I need to allow myself the time I need to make decisions instead of pushing for always faster and more.  It’s hard for me to remember that pausing and mulling things over is really okay, and that the only deadlines I have to deal with the majority of the time are my own.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL LOVE ORACLE CARDS AND TAROT OF THE NILE

Daily Self Kindness

It was a super busy day and I just can’t remember if I did anything particularly kind other than making sure that I got enough to eat.

Bend… Don’t Break

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the seventh installment of the Foundations II series on the Balance app.  This session went more in depth with the labeling techniques that had been introduced earlier in the series, and gave more autonomy throughout the process to allow for a more in-depth practice of the method.

Alchemia Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of setbacks caused by either willful ignorance or an inability to see “the whole picture”.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the theme here is about how when we feel like life is against us and we struggle to find our way, these trials are not meant to break you, but to temper your strength and improve your flexibility and adaptability.

These times offer us an opportunity to look closer, open our eyes and seek a deeper understanding, and confront  these issues from a new perspective.

DECK USED:  ALCHEMIA TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Topic: Write down your blessings and draw a card for each.

Animism TarotThe Support of Those Closest To Me

Ten of Wands – There is no need for me to overburden myself because I have those closest to me that are willing to support me. Not just emotionally, but in my work and in my endeavors as well. They are there to help, even when I forget to reach out for them sometimes, or feel guilty for asking for the help I need.

My Relationship With Gideon

Knight of Wands – The relationship we have is something that we have built together and are both deeply invested in. We know what we want from (and for) each other, we know what we want from (and for) ourselves, and we’re willing to make sure we both get what we want and need, and have our desires fulfilled. There is no hesitation here, just boundless passion.

The Stability and Security I’ve Built

Nine of Wands – That stability is not just something I value, but it’s a hill that I will stand on and die on if necessary in order to protect. This stability and security is something I feel that I need, and I’m willing to defend it vigorously in order to keep it.

I Am Still Able-Bodied

The Magician – Keep up the yoga and the physical therapy, the stretching and the exercise, CT scans and check-ups. All of these are tools in your arsenal that are needed in order to keep your body functioning properly, and to keep yourself out of the hospital dealing with replacement parts and reconstructive surgeries.

Freedom of religion and expression

King of Wands – Not only do you express yourself well and show the world your beliefs, values, and practices. But, you also inspire others to follow in your footsteps and do the same. You lead by example, without even realizing it most of the time, because you’re too wrapped up in your own passions and interests to notice that you’re doing it.

My Bond With L

Page of Swords – Somehow there is always new things to discover in this relationship. A lifetime together from womb to the present with very little time apart, and yet she can still take you by surprise and teach you something new damn near every single day.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: How can I head off this approaching depression and mitigate its effects?

Alchemia TarotReading Summary: Gratitude and leaning on others may not be enough (Ten of Coins), this is going to take experimenting with some new (Ace of Wands) and unorthodox methods (The Hierophant).

Take Away: Ugh. I know what the cards are suggesting. And I know that if I don’t try it? I’ll regret it later. I’ll up my meds. I’m super nervous about it, and I’m going to need multiple people keeping a watchful eye on me, but… I need to try it at least once at the onset of a depression to see if it helps.

DECK USED: ALCHEMIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I struggled with insomnia last night and did a variety of self care things in order to try and overcome the issue, including soaking in the tub. I finally managed to get some sleep around mid-day.